United News of Bangladesh

The United States and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending their 109-day conflict, with US President Donald Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened by Friday, although significant uncertainties remain over the agreement’s implementation and long-term prospects. According to US officials quoted by international media, the agreement was electronically signed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The MoU comes after more than three months of hostilities triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with fighting extending to multiple fronts across the region, including Lebanon. While the full text of the agreement has not been made public, officials from both sides have provided differing accounts of its provisions. Iran’s National Security Council said the agreement would halt hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Follow-up negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief are expected to begin during a 60-day period following a formal signing ceremony scheduled in Switzerland on Friday. Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, would be “open to all” once the agreement takes effect, while Vance said no tolls would be imposed on vessels using the waterway during the negotiation period. However, conflicting statements have emerged regarding economic concessions. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Washington had agreed to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Vance denied the claim, saying no sanctions relief or asset releases had been approved. He described the MoU as a brief framework document of approximately one-and-a-half pages, adding that more details could be released soon. Before signing the agreement, Ghalibaf described it as a major step toward what he called Iran’s “final victory” following months of resistance against the United States and Israel. Iranian media reported that several Iranian oil tankers and cargo vessels had already resumed movement through the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its maritime blockade. Despite the agreement, Iranian shipping industry representatives cautioned that full normalisation of maritime traffic would take time, citing security concerns and months of disruption that left thousands of seafarers stranded in the Gulf. In Washington, Trump rejected reports suggesting the US would provide direct financial assistance to Iran, dismissing such claims as “fake news.” The deal has drawn mixed reactions in the United States. Democratic lawmakers criticised the agreement, while Republican leaders said they were awaiting further details before taking a position. Congressional briefings are expected in the coming days. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would continue operating in southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement. Several members of his cabinet also voiced opposition to any arrangement that could limit Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. Iran has repeatedly insisted that any lasting settlement must include an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas of southern Lebanon, a demand Israeli leaders have publicly rejected. Fighting has continued in both Lebanon and Gaza, with casualties reported on both fronts even after the announcement of the agreement. International reactions have largely welcomed the breakthrough. Ukraine expressed hope that the diplomatic progress could encourage renewed efforts to resolve other global conflicts, while Japan voiced concern over continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The agreement also drew attention from pro-Israel advocacy groups in the United States, which argued that Israel should retain freedom of military action regardless of the deal. Global energy markets responded cautiously, with oil prices rising modestly amid uncertainty over the pace of implementation. Brent crude rose to 83.42 dollar per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to 81.12 dollar per barrel. Analysts say the success of the agreement will largely depend on the outcome of upcoming negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements. Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, a condition that Israel has already rejected, casting uncertainty over the prospects of a lasting settlement. Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi argued that the war could not be considered fully over while Israeli troops remained in territories occupied during the conflict. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” he said. The proposed agreement, brokered primarily by Pakistan, has not been publicly released, and differing interpretations by officials from various sides have highlighted unresolved issues. Although Israel is not a direct party to the US-Iran negotiations, it has been deeply involved in the wider conflict after joining US strikes against Iran in late February and continuing military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role, previously indicated that the agreement would bring an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Araghchi’s insistence on an Israeli withdrawal introduces a new point of contention. A US official familiar with the negotiations has said the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary.” The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the proposed settlement ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday. According to US and Pakistani officials, the framework agreement would involve the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of blockades affecting Iranian ports. It would also initiate a 60-day negotiation process focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the possible easing of sanctions. The deal reportedly includes provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and the establishment of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, contingent on Tehran meeting agreed conditions. However, US President Donald Trump later said Washington would not directly invest funds in Iran. Regional officials familiar with the negotiations told media outlets that Iran had pushed in the final stages to include Lebanon in the agreement. They said Tehran seeks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from nearly all occupied Lebanese territory, except for a limited number of border positions. The officials also noted that the release of frozen Iranian funds would depend on Iran’s implementation of the agreement. Gulf Arab countries are also expected to provide substantial financial support to Iran’s economy under the broader framework. Another unresolved issue concerns Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The agreement reportedly envisages discussions on reducing or removing the stockpile, although Iranian hardliners remain opposed to relinquishing it. Questions also remain over how compliance with any future nuclear arrangements would be verified and how highly enriched uranium stored at damaged nuclear facilities would be handled. The proposed deal comes as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations gather in France, where the Middle East conflict and its economic repercussions are expected to feature prominently in discussions. European leaders have welcomed the diplomatic progress while stressing the need for rapid implementation of any agreement to restore stability and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Trump acknowledged ongoing concerns about Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying prolonged fighting could undermine broader diplomatic efforts. “It just goes on forever,” he said. “And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal. And that’s the deal with Iran.”

US Vice President JD Vance has said he expects United Nations nuclear inspectors to return to Iran and assured that there will be no restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiation period with Tehran. According to Iranian media reports, three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo vessels have already transited the strategic waterway after Washington lifted its naval blockade. US-Iran ceasefire deal moves toward formal signing amid regional tensions US President Donald Trump announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran has been fully signed electronically and said the Strait of Hormuz would be entirely reopened to maritime traffic by Friday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would maintain their presence in southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement, signaling that regional security concerns remain unresolved. Source : Al Jazeera

Australia has pledged to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that Israeli forces assaulted, sexually abused and tortured activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The Global Movement to Gaza Aotearoa-Australia said the commitment came after a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for International Development Anne Aly, and senior representatives of the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Israeli strikes hit Beirut as US-Iran deal nears finalisation The group said Australian officials agreed to look into claims of mistreatment of activists who were intercepted and taken into custody by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters as part of a humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza. The development follows similar moves in Europe, where Italy and France have launched investigations into Israel’s treatment of flotilla participants. Italian authorities are also reportedly examining actions involving far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, including a video showing detainees being forced into humiliating positions aboard the vessel where they were held. The allegations have added to growing international scrutiny over the handling of activists detained during Gaza-bound aid missions, as several countries consider legal and diplomatic responses. With inputs from Al Jazeera

An initial agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire moved closer to formal signing on Monday, although uncertainties surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon continued to threaten the deal. The electronically signed agreement, reached on Sunday, seeks to sustain a truce in a months-long conflict that has killed thousands across the Middle East, including senior Iranian leaders, and disrupted global fuel and food markets. A key element of the pact is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass. However, Iran said implementation would begin only after a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva, while the US blockade remains in place until then. The deal also requires Iran to decide within 60 days on the future of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Further details, expected within two days, may include the release of frozen Iranian assets, sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund tied to Iranian commitments. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement was US President Donald Trump’s decision, while reaffirming Israel’s determination to counter Iranian threats and maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon. Continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah remains a major challenge to the agreement’s success.

The United States and Iran appear close to a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that a deal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is closer than “ever before” and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement, followed immediately by technical-level talks next week. Previous declarations of an imminent breakthrough failed to materialize. The apparent breakthrough in negotiations comes after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel over three days this week, threatening to push the region into a full-scale war. U.S. Central Command late Friday said in a social media post that it intercepted several Iranian attack drones that were targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28 has rattled the Middle East and virtually shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7. Here's what to know: Iran's nuclear program terms to be finalized within 60 days of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday the terms of dealing with Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed and that the parties could decide to extend that period. Iran’s nuclear program has been a key point of division. The U.S. and Israel fear it could lead to an atomic weapon — a main reason their leaders cited for going to war. Tehran has insisted its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes. A senior U.S. administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said Friday that the emerging agreement would begin the process of destroying or removing Tehran’s highly enriched uranium. The official said the 60-day period after both sides sign the deal would be used to work out technical details for removing Iran’s enriched uranium. The official did not detail who the U.S. envisions taking charge of removing the uranium, believed to be entombed under three nuclear sites that were battered by American strikes last year. The deal will include conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, official says The U.S. official said the emerging agreement includes provisions for reopening the strait. Araghchi said Iran wants a deal that allows Tehran to charge ships “for services rendered” when they transit the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed a toll system during the war, which the U.S. and other nations say violates international law. Transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and natural gas, has been disrupted and crimped global energy supplies, driven up fuel prices and made food and other basics more expensive well beyond the region. The agreement is set to include Iranian sanctions relief Three regional officials said the emerging deal is also expected to include the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. They said they expect a signing ceremony for the agreement in the coming days after officials in Washington and Tehran approve it. What will happen to Lebanon remains unclear Iran has insisted throughout that any deal must also include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy militia. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Friday that Israel could still act independently toward Iran and that the country would not pull out of the zones it is occupying in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, nor would it withdraw from the northern refugee camps of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

Iran will hold funeral and burial ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early July, state media reported on Saturday, as efforts to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict continue. According to Iran’s state-run broadcaster IRIB, funeral processions, farewell ceremonies and the burial of Khamenei are scheduled to take place between July 4 and July 9. Khamenei was killed in the initial phase of the conflict launched by Israel and the United States against Iran in late February. He was subsequently succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. State media said the funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran before moving to the holy city of Qom, a major center of Shiite religious scholarship, and later to Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace. He is expected to be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the most revered sites in Shiite Islam. Funeral rites for Khamenei’s daughter and son-in-law, who were also killed in the February attack, will be held on the same day, the report said. Khamenei led Iran for more than three decades after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, following Khomeini’s death in 1989. During his tenure, Khamenei significantly expanded the influence of Iran’s Shiite clerical establishment and strengthened the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which evolved into one of the country’s most powerful military, political and economic institutions. The Revolutionary Guard became a key pillar of Iran’s security apparatus, overseeing the country’s ballistic missile program and maintaining a broad presence across various sectors of the national economy.   

Five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Friday as Israeli attacks continued despite a US-brokered ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end regional hostilities. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that the victim was killed in an air raid targeting the municipality of Maarakeh in the Tyre district. Israeli warplanes also carried out strikes on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including areas located north of the so-called “Yellow Line,” a zone Israel has sought to control in recent months. The renewed attacks came amid reports that the United States and Iran have reached preliminary agreement on the wording of a deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that mediators were working with both sides to finalize the agreement. According to Iranian media reports, the proposed deal would include an end to hostilities “on all fronts, including Lebanon.” The continued Israeli strikes have raised concerns that violence in Lebanon could undermine efforts to secure a broader regional agreement, particularly as Israel is not directly involved in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Israeli leaders have also indicated they do not intend to withdraw from Lebanese territory, adding to uncertainty over the prospects for lasting peace. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month between Israeli and Lebanese officials, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities, particularly by Hezbollah. However, sporadic clashes and airstrikes have continued since the agreement was announced. A new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is expected on June 22 as both sides seek to reach a more comprehensive arrangement aimed at ending cross-border hostilities. Source: Al Jazeera

The United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement aimed at ending their months-long conflict, with officials from both sides indicating that a breakthrough could come within days. Three regional officials told media on Friday that the proposed deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. A senior US official said the draft agreement also includes the removal and destruction of Iran’s nuclear material, dismantling parts of its nuclear programme and a commitment by Tehran not to fund terrorist groups. Middle East on edge as Iran and US exchange fire again Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that a deal “has never been closer,” while President Donald Trump shared the post on social media. However, Trump also warned Iranian leaders to act quickly. The negotiations follow three days of exchanges involving Iran, the US and Israel and come amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 7. The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted energy shipments through the Persian Gulf and heightened regional tensions. Officials said the agreement is expected to be finalized after approval in Washington and Tehran. Pakistan, backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar, has played a leading mediating role in the talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he had called off new military strikes on Iran, claiming a breakthrough in negotiations to end the war just hours after the American leader threatened to escalate the conflict by seizing control of Iran’s oil industry. Trump has said multiple times in recent weeks that the warring parties have been on the cusp of a deal without anything coming to fruition. A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a live phone call on state television that mediators were active and nothing had been finalized to end the conflict that began Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran. Trump opened an Oval Office event Thursday afternoon saying: “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran.” He offered scant details, other than to say he expects an agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire that started in April to be finalized “over the next few days.” Extending the terms of the ceasefire gives U.S. leaders more time to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program, the main reason Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used to justify launching the war. Netanyahu’s office said Thursday that Israel is not a party to the emerging agreement between the U.S. and Iran. The announcement came after two days of back-and-forth attacks between the U.S. and Iran had pushed the Middle East closer to the resumption of a full-scale war. Trump had threatened further escalation earlier Thursday, posting on social media that the U.S. would hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and take “total control” of its oil and gas industries. A few hours later, Trump posted on social media that significant points in the negotiations “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.” Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said in his phone call on state television that text of a deal is “mostly finalized.” “The problem is that the contradictions in America’s position has caused turbulence to this process,” he said Thursday night. A major sticking point in negotiations has been Iran’s nuclear program, which the U.S. and Israel fear could lead to an atomic weapon, but which Tehran says is for peaceful purposes. Another key issue is Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for transporting oil and natural gas. Trump again moves quickly from threats to negotiating Trump’s rapid shift Thursday from dire threats to promoting peace negotiations again underscored his whipsaw approach to the war. He suggested on Monday that a deal to end the conflict could be reached in a matter of days. Then back-and-forth strikes rattled the Middle East this week. The first involved attacks between Iran and Israel, followed by the two rounds of fire between the U.S. and Iran, which targeted countries where U.S. troops are based. The U.S. strikes began after Trump blamed Iran for downing an American attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Both pilots were rescued safely. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. attacks had “effectively rendered the ceasefire ... meaningless,” without saying it was abandoning it. After Trump threatened more attacks were to come on Thursday, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, responded on social media that “wrong strategies and impulsive decisions” would wreak havoc on energy markets and “create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years.” It wasn’t the first time Trump threatened escalation before giving negotiations another chance. In April, he warned Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if it didn’t agree to his terms, before extending a ceasefire.